Last night I attended the Screen Nation awards held at the BAFTAs in Piccadilly London W1.

There was no red carpet but there was a crowd of people waiting to get in and of course, there was the customary photographers.

We were ushered in quickly, meeting Noel Clarke on the stairs going in.  Once inside there was a myriad of different areas. I didnt’ realise that the award ceremony was split into two.  The Honorary Awards and then the awards for up and coming talent.

The Honorary awards is where the famous people and the bigger awards were happening. Guests here enjoyed a three course dinner and champagne!

Upstairs and in the movie theatre was where the other awards were happening.

I think its a shame the two awards were separated as it would have been much more cohesive and atmospheric to have it all in the same space.  Poor Josie D’Arby had to run up and downstairs.

Nevertheless, the place was abuzz with with air kissing and very glamorous dresses and jewellery.

All activities were very late starting and there was an air of disorganistion to the event. Despite this in some ways it makes the event more relaxed although, I think in order to be taken seriously in future the event does have to be tightened up.

There were familiar faces such as Ashley Walters, Don Warrington, the cast and crew from Adulthood and the Bill and Hollyoaks.  Also there were indie filmmakers, Neil Reidman, Wayne Saunders and Lawrence Coke who are of course, well known to www.TheScreen.Biz.

In fact Lawrence Coke won the Independent Spirit award which further pushes him along the route to mainstream acceptance. Perhaps in a few years he will be nominted for a BAFTA.

Other winners were Adam Deacon for his role in Adulthood, Emerging Talent was won by Nonso Anozie for Cass, Diversity in Factual was won by Black, Black, Power Salute!, Diversity in Drama was won by The Bill, Best Music won by Bashy.

Despite the lack of organisation it is the only event awarding black talent, and there certainly was an array of talent on display as well as the filmmakers there was Suede rapping, Yolanda Brown playing her saxophone and a fabulous fashion show.

We will be looking forward to next year!